“Fall” gets its name from the leaves that drop this time of year, and if you have trees near your home, it won’t take long for those leaves to reach your gutters. In no time, a gutter system can become clogged with leaves, and once that happens, water has nowhere to go. It’ll find its way over the sides of your gutters, under your shingles, or straight down toward your foundation.
Gutter cleaning and gutter guards are the two main ways to combat falling leaves and maintain proper water flow; which is the best choice in your situation, though? At Stinson Services, we help homeowners weigh both options based on their specific property. Let’s break down what each one actually offers to help you make the right choice for your home.
When Gutter Cleaning is the Better Option
Usually around mid-October, every tree around your property will start shedding leaves, and those leaves are going to end up in your gutters whether you’re ready for them or not. Gutter cleaning is the right choice when leaves have already collected within your gutter system.
Regular gutter cleaning takes care of what’s already there; it’s a straightforward way to keep your gutters working the way they should. A cleaning appointment clears out leaves, twigs, and grit so water has a clear path to your downspouts.
If your property has a lot of tree coverage, you may need this done more than once throughout the season to stay ahead of buildup. It’s a good habit to get into each fall, since even a partially clogged gutter can start causing problems during heavy rain. Sticking to a regular schedule, rather than going for just an occasional cleaning, can save you from bigger headaches once winter weather sets in.
When Gutter Guards Are the Better Option
A gutter guard system is a preventative approach. Before the leaves even start to fall, installing gutter guards covers your gutters so even fine debris can’t settle in to begin with. Instead of leaves, twigs, and even pine needles building up over the season, they slide right off the roof or blow away.
Because gutter guards are made of aluminum or stainless mesh with tiny holes throughout, water from rain or melted snow can still flow through and into your downspouts as intended.
Gutter guards are usually the best option for properties with heavy tree coverage close to the roofline, since that’s where cleanings would otherwise need to happen most often. They’re also a good fit if you’re planning to stay in the home for years to come, since the upfront investment pays off more the longer you own the property.
Gutter Cleaning and Gutter Guards Can Complement Each Other
Sometimes, it’s not about choosing the one right service; it’s about finding the right combination of the two for your property. Gutter cleaning takes care of what’s built up right now, clearing out leaves and debris so water can flow the way it should this season. Gutter guards, on the other hand, are focused on the long run, cutting down on future buildup so you’re not stuck climbing a ladder every fall for years to come.
For many homeowners, the smartest move is starting with a cleaning to clear out anything that’s already collected, then having guards installed so you’re covered going forward. That way, you get your gutters working properly right away, plus a system in place that keeps them that way with a lot less upkeep down the line.
Protect Your Gutter System and Make the Right Choice for Your Home This Fall
Weighing gutter guards vs. gutter cleaning, and not sure what’s the right choice for your home? Talk to your local roofing and home exterior company. They’ll be able to look at your property, factor in your tree coverage and roofline, and help you figure out whether a cleaning, guards, or a combination of both makes the most sense before fall really sets in.
If you’re in Minneapolis or the surrounding Twin Cities area, Stinson Services can help… and we offer more than just gutter cleaning and gutter guards. Our team can help from start to finish; we offer:
- Gutter Cleaning
- Gutter Guard Installation
- Gutter Repair
- Gutter Replacement
- Downspout Services
Signs Your Gutters Need Attention Before Fall Sets In
A few warning signs can tell you it’s time to call for service, whether that means a cleaning, a guard installation, or a repair. Water spilling over the sides of your gutters during a rainstorm usually means something is blocking the flow. Sagging or pulling-away gutters can point to added weight from debris, or hardware that’s worked its way loose over time. Staining or streaking down your siding is another common sign, along with pooling water near your foundation after a storm.
If you’re noticing any of these before the season’s leaves have even started falling, it’s worth getting ahead of it now rather than waiting for mid-October’s leaf drop to make things worse.
Talk to Stinson Services for Gutter Cleaning and Professional Gutter Guard Installation
Want to learn more about the benefits of gutter guards? Ready to have your gutters professionally cleaned? Talk to Stinson Services.
Whether you’re leaning toward a professional gutter cleaning, you want to have gutter guards installed, or you’re looking for some advice before making a decision, Stinson Services is here to help.
Give us a call or contact us online today to get started; we’re proud to provide gutter services in Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities area.
